June 2015

Once a month, between 10 and 14 women gather at the Sundial House at BackCountry, a master-planned community by Shea Homes —ostensibly to talk about the book they’ve read, but more importantly, to deepen their sense of community.

Danni Holland, the founder of the BackCountry Book Club, wants to make clear that the doors are wide open to everyone in the community.

“We usually have one or two newcomers each meeting,” says Danni. “And we’d love to keep growing.” No intellectual posturing required—this is a friendly group open to all BackCountry residents, where the time splits naturally between book chat and pure socializing. Books usually don’t get overly lofty, and include both fiction and nonfiction, since one of the goals of the group was to help lure each other out of their reading comfort zones. They vote on book selections every couple of months.

The group’s diversity makes it all the more interesting, says Danni. “Our members range in age from mid-30s to 80s. The difference in life experience and perspectives adds so much to our discussions.” She says the book club has also very much facilitated friendships. In fact, she met her closest BackCountry friend at the first book club, not realizing that she actually lived just four doors down from her. Others have experienced the same, forging friendships that include walking together and other get-togethers. Not too surprising, given that “there’s a lot of neighborliness at BackCounty in general,” says Danni. “We have lots of outgoing, friendly neighbors around us,” she says. “I think people move here because they want to live in a neighborly community. The kind where there aren’t fences and there’s a good level of trust.”

As Danni says, “We come together around a book, but we stay together for the friendships.”

For more information on Shea Homes and our home collections in BackCountry and what we’re up to at the Colorado division, like us on Facebook, follow us on Instagram, Google+ and YouTube, and get inspired with us on Pinterest.

If you haven’t visited the stunning new Colina model homes at Waterstone, then you don’t know what you’re missing. I mean, who doesn’t want a beautiful home with a gorgeous view!? Located in Vallejo, and just minutes from downtown Benicia, the new Colina neighborhood by Shea Homes sits atop a beautiful hillside and overlooks the Carquinez Strait, leading into San Pablo Bay. Starting from the $500s, and ranging in size from 2,319 to 3,072 square feet, these Colina homes offer a great value for the Bay Area.

And new Colina homeowners agree. Erwin and Amanda Cruz couldn’t be happier, these ecstatic first-time homeowners recently received the keys to their new home, and they gave us some feedback about the new community and buying with Shea: “As first-time home-buyers, we had a lot of questions. The Shea team made it easy, and communication throughout the process was always great. There wasn’t ever a time when our questions weren’t answered. We are very happy with our home.” Amanda said.

Erwin chimed in, “Not just the sales team, but the construction and mortgage team, too. I definitely stopped by once a week to check on the progress of the house.”

Amanda added, “You can definitely tell that they share in our excitement.”

Jennifer Chlebicki, Shea Sales Team Member, says, “My favorite part of the entire process is handing our homeowners the keys to their beautiful new home. We work with our home-buyers for months prior to this day, and we get to know and care about them and their families. So to be there to celebrate with them, on that last day where everything has come together, and hand them the keys is a really special moment. I always feel honored to be included in sharing that moment with them.”

Thinking about dropping by? View the model home photo tour below, then call (707) 558-0543 to schedule your visit and see the difference a Colina home could make to you.

As soon as the save-the-date arrives, many people start frantically searching for the perfect wedding gift for the happy couple. When it comes to the modern day wedding gift, guests are really starting to think outside the box. While registries still exist, they’re not as much the norm. Brides and grooms have also gotten quite creative. Fewer couples are spending time picking out china patterns or kitchen appliances that may gather dust in the “Land of Misfit Gifts”. Many people are getting married later or for a second time, so they often already have the household items they need. With this in mind, and the summer wedding season upon us, we decided to share 10 original wedding gift ideas. You’ll be relieved to hear that most of these can be purchased online with a simple click of your mouse!

Like it or not, Arizona’s sizzling summer heat has arrived. The kids are on summer break and there is nothing more refreshing than taking a dip in the swimming pool. At Shea Homes, we’re passionate about caring for our customers, which is why we want to share a couple of important water safety tips to keep you and your family safe this summer.

According to a study conducted by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), an estimated average of 5,400 children younger than 15 were treated between 2012 and 2014 in emergency rooms for pool or spa related submersion injuries. An estimated 77 percent of the injured were younger than five. Needless to say, proper water safety is essential, especially during the summer months here in Arizona.

Install barriers surrounding the entire pool that are at least four feet high with a self-closing gate or latch. Make sure the gate is not surrounded by structures that could provide access to the pool, such as climbable furniture or objects.

Maintain Constant Supervision

When there are kids in the water they should always have your full and undivided attention. If ever an infant is in the water, you must be within arm’s reach. There are instances when multiple adults are present and if this is the case, there should always be one designated individual in charge of keeping an eye on the kids around the water. Safe Kids refers to this as the Water Watcher card strategy.

Know What to Do in an Emergency

This can be a distressing time, but acting quickly and being prepared can make all the difference. If you notice your child is missing, immediately check the water. Make sure the pool is equipped with appropriate equipment, such as a first aid kit or a life-jacket and enroll in courses to prepare you for emergency situations. The Red Cross recommends water safety, first aid and CPR/AED courses. Keep a phone nearby in case the need to call 9-1-1 arises.

– No swimming without an adult – Keep toys away from the pool when the pool is not in use – Empty blow-up pools after each use – No tricycles or other riding toys at poolside – No electrical appliances near the pool – No diving in a pool that is not deep enough – No running on the pool deck

At Shea Homes, we are committed to keeping our families informed and safe. Keep your family protected and happy during the long summer days ahead!

For more information about Shea Homes’ communities across the Valley, visit our website or you can call us toll free: 1-866-696-7432. To watch our informational videos, please visit our YouTube channel. For more information on Shea Homes and what we’re up to in Arizona, like us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, and join us for some inspiration on Pinterest.

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